By Alan Rodgers

ULSTER’S newest GAA club is forging a new path through the challenges of the future as its 2020 visions take shape both on and off the field.

Naomh Eoghan was formed ahead of the start of this year as an amalgamation of two previous clubs which had a strong record of participation in West Tyrone.

Now, though, there is very much strength in unity for the former members and players of Dregish, Pearse Ogs and Newtownstewart, St Eugene’s.

Its senior team has already taken part in a number of Ulster Intermediate League games. On Sunday past their latest outing saw them take on Steelstown in Derry. No wonder, then, that they are relishing the start of the Tyrone All-County Leagues next month.

While much of the focus is obviously on the footballing front, the club is also steadily putting the off-field structures which are so important for the organisation of the modern GAA.

The new chairman is Ronan Glackin and in a special message to the people of the Newtownstewart and Dregish areas, the Naomh Eoghan officials have laid out their plans for this year and beyond.

“Our club was established on December 16, 2019 and amalgamates Dregish, Pearse Ogs, formed in the Parish of Ardstraw West in 1968, and Newtownstewart, St Eugene’s, formed in the Parish of Ardstraw East in 1945,” he said.

“The catchment area includes all the townlands in the Parishes of Ardstraw East and West and Victoria Bridge.

“Naomh Eoghan in a community based volunteer organisation promoting games, culture, social inclusion and lifelong participation. We are dedicated to enriching the lives of our members, families and the communities we serve.

“Our commitment is to maintaining and developing our facilities to ensure all our members can enjoy the opportunities and experiences of reaching their full potential.”

The new club is certainly well served in terms of facilities. Fr McCrory Park in Dregish has been well developed over the years, while Pairc Naomh Eoghan in Newtownstewart is one of the most scenic venues in the province.

As well as the two pitches, there is also a gym, all aimed at serving the needs of a club that has a busy and exciting plan for the next 12 months.

In addition to their matches in the Ulster League, their minor boys and girls and u-14 boys leagues are all beginning.

The u-16 league commences later this month, while there are also plans for a Night at the Race fundraising initiative, a club Mass and the participation of members in the annual Strabane St Patrick’s Day parade.

A 30-week draw is being launched in May, an annual Bazaar is also being planned, as well as coaching courses, health and wellbeing events, First Aid courses and Child Protection courses.

Local councillor Kieran McGuire is well aware of the importance of the club to the continuing growth of Gaelic games and culture in both the Newtownstewart and Dregish areas.

“A look through the statistics showed that the birth rate had been declining in the area for a number of years, as is the case with so many rural clubs at the moment,” he said.

“This meant that there was an impetus towards making the move to secure a strong future for the GAA in this locality. The new Naomh Eoghan club brings with it the pride and tradition of the Newtownstewart and Dregish areas.

“Newtownstewart were promoted to Intermediate for the 2019 season, so the fact that they have maintained their status for 2020 is a real boost for the new club’s senior and reserve teams which will be competing at this level.

“There is a good foundation both on and off the field which is allowing the new club to really get off the ground.

“The commitment of the volunteers and players is very clear and I’d like to wish them all the best for the next few months as they begin their competitive season at every level.”